A psychologist named Carol Dweck coined the terms “fixed mindset” and “growth mindset” in 2006. Having a “fixed mindset” means we think things like “This is just how I am," “I’ve never been good at this,” or “I’m not cut out for this.” A growth mindset says, “I don’t know how to do this yet, but I can learn.”

Having a growth mindset is tied to improved mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. So it’s no surprise then that it’s also essential to our relationship with God. The idea of having a growth mindset is all over the Bible; God works through everything to help us become who he destined us to be. We don’t have to feel stuck or defined by how we’ve lived so far. Instead, we can embrace that everything in our lives—the good, the bad, and the ugly—is part of the process of becoming who we are meant to be.

Listen to this episode of Scripture Playlist to start seeing everything in your life with a mindset of continual spiritual growth and learning.

Show Notes:

Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset Article: https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/growth-mindset-vs-fixed-mindset#:~:text=Someone%20with%20a%20growth%20mindset,stable%20and%20unchangeable%20over%20time

The Influence of Growth Mindset on the Mental Health and Life Events of College Students Article: https://ggie.berkeley.edu/student-well-being/growth-mindset-for-students/#:~:text=Much%20of%20the%20research%20on,for%20different%20subgroups%20of%20students).

‘Growth Mindset’ Linked to Higher Test Scores, Student Well-Being in Global Study Article: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/growth-mindset-linked-to-higher-test-scores-student-well-being-in-global-study/2021/04

Philippians 1:9 NLT

James 1:2-4 NLT

Philippians 1:6 NLT

Philippians 3:12 ERV

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NLT

Acts 20:32 GW

1 Corinthians 10:23 GW

Romans 1:11 NLT

Romans 15:2 ERV

Ephesians 1:16-17 NLT

Romans 12:2 NIrV

Colossians 1:28 CEV

Colossians 3:8-10 ERV

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ERV

Colossians 4:12 ERV

2 Peter 1:5-9 CEV

Acts 9:31 CEV

2 Timothy 1:6-7 ERV

1 Timothy 4:15-16 Voice

Colossians 2:6-7 NIrV

2 Peter 3:18 CEV

Ephesians 4:13-16 NLT

2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT